To say that we are living in interesting times right now seems like the biggest understatement I’ve ever written. These are beyond interesting — they are challenging, hard, uncertain, and downright scary at times. 

And, most likely, as a truck fleet manager, you are still involved in managing the day-to-day operations of your fleet when every single day brings a new challenge.

Many don’t know whether their businesses will still be allowed to operate as usual tomorrow. Some companies have had to cut staff while others are struggling to fill delivery orders. 

While I must remind myself things will improve, and sunshine is around the corner on these gloomy days, fleet managers need to keep their morale up — as well as the morale of drivers facing the frontlines, driving longer hours, all while worried about their families and friends. 

How do you keep moving forward during these incredibly uncertain times? 

Stay Positive

It’s tough to stay positive during difficult times. But to keep your head up and one foot moving ahead of the other, that is precisely what you need to do. 

A collection of recommendations from health experts include:

• Follow your enthusiasm. If you love fleet than it’s highly likely you are thriving right now amidst the change and chaos. But if you are still struggling, find one aspect of fleet management you LOVE and focus some efforts there. Make sure you always enjoy something you are doing each day. 

• Write things down. Take a few moments and keep track of the new projects you are working on, ideas that it triggers for the future (or plans you simply don’t have time or staff to handle right now). 

• Share the good news. Be sure to communicate the good news with your team and staff regularly. Even a small victory should be celebrated right now to help keep morale up. Accomplish a bigger success? Spread the word throughout your company, community, and industry. We all need good news right now!

Keep to a Routine

One big challenge when there is any kind of disaster or significant change in business operations as you know them, such as COVID-19, is keeping a feeling or normalcy while still accomplishing what needs to be done. 

Work to set a routine, even it’s far different than your normal day, and stick to it as much as possible. Routines can help increase your feeling of control over at least something in your life. It can also help you stay organized, which helps you accomplish more and provide time to do more. Finally, it can do a great deal to relieve mental stress.

Remember the Goal

At the end of the day — what is your end goal? What is your purpose as a fleet manager, maintenance supervisor, or any of the multiple jobs related to fleet that are still working as hard as ever right now? Remember what that is, and realize that in challenging times, your goal is likely more important than ever before. 

Our world depends on trucks for their food, supplies, and so much more. They rely on you to keep those trucks managed and moving. 

Find Support

Are you still struggling to put one foot in front of the other? Still feel like each day is another fire, and you’re out of water? Find support. Look for other fleet managers to share your struggles with, ask for advice, and more. Work Truck collaborated with other fleet brands at Bobit Business Media to create a LinkedIn Group. The goal of the group is to help provide a space for fleet managers to share and talk.

Talk to others outside of fleet as well. Call or video chat with your family members a little more. Call your best friend. Above and beyond all, be sure you take some time for yourself to recharge. Turn off the phone, shut down your e-mail, get outside (even if it’s your backyard) for a little fresh air, and be grateful that even with all of this craziness, you’re able to read this article, you have a huge community, and you are in an industry that is incredibly needed.

Feeling overwhelmed? Making it through with a smile and have some advice?

E-mail me, let’s chat! 

lauren.fletcher@bobit.com